Ultrasound Guided
Steroid (Cortisone) Injections
Corticosteroid injections, also referred to as cortisone injections or corticosteroid shots, are commonly employed to alleviate musculoskeletal pain linked with various ailments. These injections administer a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area, giving relief from pain and inflammation. While corticosteroid injections can prove highly effective in managing musculoskeletal pain, they entail both advantages and drawbacks.
Conditions treated with Corticosteroid injections
One prevalent condition treated with corticosteroid injections is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, characterised by cartilage breakdown in the joints, leads to pain, stiffness, and diminished mobility. Corticosteroid injections aid in reducing inflammation in the affected joint, thereby alleviating pain and enhancing joint function. Similarly, corticosteroid injections are frequently employed in managing pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory ailment primarily affecting the joints.
Another common use for corticosteroid injections is tendinitis, which involves inflammation or irritation of tendons—thick fibrous cords linking muscles to bones. Tendinitis commonly affects various joints, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Corticosteroid injections assist in reducing inflammation in the affected tendon, relieving pain and restoring mobility.
Additionally, corticosteroid injections are commonly utilised to address pain associated with bursitis—a condition marked by inflammation of bursae, small fluid-filled sacs cushioning and lubricating areas where tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones interact. Bursitis often manifests in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel.
The benefits of Cortisone injections
The benefits of corticosteroid injections for musculoskeletal pain encompass swift pain relief and diminished inflammation. Unlike oral corticosteroids, which are systemically absorbed and may result in widespread side effects, corticosteroid injections deliver medication directly to the afflicted area, minimizing systemic side effects. Moreover, corticosteroid injections can help patients postpone or circumvent the need for surgical intervention, offering a non-invasive treatment alternative for musculoskeletal conditions.
Risks and constraints
Nevertheless, corticosteroid injections carry potential risks and constraints. While they provide short-term pain relief, their effects may be transient, and pain could recur once the medication wears off. Over utilisation of corticosteroid injections may induce tissue damage, weaken tendons, and heighten the risk of joint degeneration. Consequently, healthcare providers typically restrict the number of corticosteroid injections a patient can receive within a specified timeframe to mitigate the risk of complications.
Furthermore, corticosteroid injections may not be suitable for all patients. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or osteoporosis, may face an elevated risk of complications from corticosteroid injections. Additionally, corticosteroid injections are generally discouraged for pregnant women due to potential risks to the fetus.
Highly effective in managing musculoskeletal pain
Corticosteroid injections offer a valuable treatment avenue for managing musculoskeletal pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. They often give rapid pain relief and reduced inflammation, enabling patients to enhance their mobility and quality of life. Nonetheless, corticosteroid injections entail risks and limitations, necessitating healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks when contemplating this treatment option for their patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into an irritated or painful joint or soft tissue structure. They are commonly used to relieve pain from arthritis, tendon irritation, bursitis, frozen shoulder and sports-related injuries.
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They can provide relief for:
Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
Bursitis
Tendonitis / tendinopathy
Frozen shoulder
Plantar fasciitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Soft-tissue sports injuries
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No, we do not inject cortisone into the spine. For spinal pain, we offer Prolozone Therapy, a regenerative option focused on healing rather than short-term suppression.
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Yes, all injections except spinal injections (Prolozone), ensuring accurate placement and improved outcomes.
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Relief is often felt within 24–72 hours, although maximum benefit may take up to two weeks. The effects can last weeks to several months, depending on the condition and activity level.
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Yes, but they are generally limited to no more than three per year in one area to avoid tissue weakening and side effects.
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Most people carry on with normal activities the same day. Temporary discomfort or mild swelling in the first 48 hours is common and settles quickly.
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Side effects are usually minimal and short-lived, such as steroid flare (temporary irritation of the tissue), temporary soreness, facial flushing, or mild blood sugar changes. Serious reactions are rare.
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Steroids reduce inflammation and pain, helping you move better and begin rehabilitation. For long-term improvements, combining treatment with exercise therapy and strengthening is recommended.
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Other non-surgical treatment options include:
Prolozone Therapy (for the spine and chronic pain)
Hyaluronic Acid (joint lubrication)
NStride APS (protein-based OA treatment)
Arthrosamid (long-acting hydrogel for knee OA)
Hydrodistension for Frozen Shoulder